The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals announced the remainder of its Film Festival program, including the Midnighters, Shorts, Virtual Cinema, Music Video, Title Sequence and new Independent Episodic lineup, plus late-addition Features and the Closing Night Film for the 25th edition of the Festival, running March 9-18, 2018 in Austin, Texas. The acclaimed Film program draws thousands of fans, filmmakers, press and industry leaders every year to immerse themselves in the most innovative, smart and entertaining new films of the year.

The North American premiere of Wes Anderson’s highly-anticipated Isle of Dogs will close the 2018 Festival. The film tells the story of Atari Kobayashi, 12-year-old ward to corrupt Mayor Kobayashi. When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage dump, Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies to Trash Island in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. The film features an all star cast including Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Kunichi Nomura, Akira Takayama, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Akira Ito, Scarlett Johansson, Harvey Keitel, F. Murray Abraham, Yoko Ono, Tilda Swinton, Ken Watanabe, Mari Natsuki, Fisher Stevens, Nijiro Murakami, Liev Schreiber, and Courtney B. Vance.

The SXSW Midnighters section is a perennial favorite for SXSW audiences thrilled by the weird, electric, and sometimes terrifying selections. Featuring 10 genre films, including 6 World Premieres, the slate includes dark comedies, thrillers, Sci-Fi, mystery and slasher horror from a mix of established and first-time filmmakers. The Midnighters, as well as 12 additional films, which are included in the 132 total features now to be screened at the SXSW 2018 Film Festival.

“It is the highlight of my year to get to dive into the yearly pool of genre film submission and see what wild and devilish ideas these filmmakers have brought to life,” said Jarod Neece, SXSW Senior Film Programmer. “This year’s Midnighters, made both by veteran filmmakers and many first-timers, are sure to delight and terrify lucky SXSW audiences. And if they can survive the onslaught they will be treated to the fantastical world of Wes Anderson’s latest stop-motion masterpiece, SXSW Closing Night Film Isle of Dogs.”

118 short films, independent episodics, and music videos were selected from 5,410 submissions. A comprehensive list of the Short Film Program is below and will screen as part of 12 curated shorts programs.

“After five years of breaking ground in our Episodic section, we’re thrilled to incorporate the exceptional work happening in the Independent Episodics space and welcome more of those creators into our community this year.” said Claudette Godfrey, Senior Film Programmer, “Year after year, I get fired up and inspired by the sense of discovery and boundary pushing in our shorts program, and we’re especially proud that over half of the films across our Shorts Programs, Music Videos, and Independent Episodics are directed by women.”

This year, SXSW expanded the footprint of its Virtual Cinema section of the Film Festival to showcase the newest and most cutting-edge work. SXSW resides at the intersection of film and technology, and there is no better place to present this innovative format. The 26 projects emphasize storytelling, ingenuity and also showcase how other industries are embracing this new medium.

“After last year’s successful launch of our Virtual Cinema, we are doubling its footprint so that even more of our attendees can see this amazing work,” said Blake Kammerdiener, VR Programmer. “The industry leaders and independent creators working in the immersive arts will change your perspective on what storytelling means. We can't wait for you to experience the fantastical far off worlds and intimate perspectives that they will be bringing to SXSW this March.”

SXSW Conference has announced separately many of this year’s Keynotes, Featured Speakers and Sessions in the Entertainment Influencers, Film & TV Industry and Making Film & Episodics Tracks, plus Convergence Tracks Experiential Storytelling, VR/AR, Food, News & Journalism, Social Impact and more. Film and TV Highlights include: Film Keynotes: Barry Jenkins and Darren Aranofsky; Rian Johnson; Spike Lee; Lena Dunham and Glamour’sSamantha Barry; Common and Lena Waithe, Ethan Hawke; Tatiana Maslany; Olivier Assayas and Richard Linklater; Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy (showrunners) along with the principal cast of Westworld; Alex Winter; and the This is Us Cast. More at https://www.sxsw.com/conference/

Continuing for 2018, the Interactive, Film, and Music badges will now include expanded access to more of the SXSW Conference and Festivals experience. Attendees will still receive primary entry to programming associated with their badge type, but can now enjoy secondary access to most other SXSW events. SXSW’s next registration deadline is February 9, 2018 at 11:59pm PT. Early registrants benefit from discounted rates.

A Prayer Before Dawn (United States, France)Director: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, Screenwriters: Jonathan Hirschbein, Nick SaltreseBased on the international best-seller, A Prayer Before Dawn is the true story of Billy Moore, a troubled young British boxer sent to one of Thailand's most notorious jails. Cast: Joe Cole, Vithaya Pansringar, Panya Yimmumphai, Nicolas Shake (North American Premiere)

The RangerDirector: Jenn Wexler, Screenwriters: Jenn Wexler, Giaco FurinoTeen punks, on the run from the cops and hiding out in the woods, come up against the local authority—an unhinged park ranger with an axe to grind. Cast: Chloë Levine, Granit Lahu, Jeremy Pope, Bubba Weiler, Amanda Grace Benitez, Jeremy Holm, Larry Fessenden (World Premiere)

UpgradeDirector/Screenwriter: Leigh WhannellIn a utopian near-future when technology controls everything, a technophobe avenges his wife's murder and his own paralysis-causing injury with the help of an experimental computer chip implant - STEM - that turns out to have a mind of its own. Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie (World Premiere)

NARRATIVE SPOTLIGHTHigh profile narrative features receiving their World, North American or U.S. premiers at SXSW

Brother’s Nest (Australia)Director: Clayton Jacobson, Screenwriter: Jaime BrowneWith their Mother dying of cancer, intent on changing her will to benefit her “new” husband before she dies, two brothers go to extreme and deadly lengths to protect their inheritance from being signed away before it’s too late. Cast: Shane Jacobson, Clayton Jacobson, Lynette Curran, Kim Gyngell, Sarah Snook (World Premiere)

GalvestonDirector/Screenwriter: Melanie LaurentAfter surviving a setup by his criminal boss, a hitman rescues a young prostitute and flees with her to Galveston, Texas, where the two find strength in each other as dangerous pursuers and the shadows of their pasts follow close behind. Cast: Ben Foster, Elle Fanning, Beau Bridges, Adepero Aduye, Robert Aramayo, Lili Reinhart, Maria Valverde (World Premiere)

Most Likely To MurderDirector: Dan Gregor, Screenwriters: Dan Gregor, Doug MandBilly, the coolest kid in high school, comes back to his hometown 15 years later to find he's no longer cool and the girl he still has feelings for now dates the former town outcast. Billy becomes obsessed with proving the outcast is a murderer. Cast: Adam Pally, Rachel Bloom, Vincent Kartheiser, John Reynolds, Didi Conn, Ethan Phillips, Doug Mand, Hasan Minhaj, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Julia Goldani Telles (World Premiere)

DOCUMENTARY SPOTLIGHTShining a light on new documentary features receiving their World, North American or U.S. premieres at SXSW

Teo sits thoughtfully before lights out at the Austin based refugee house, Casa Marianella in "They Live Here, Now". | Credit: Jason Outenreath

They Live Here, NowDirector/Screenwriter: Jason OutenreathAustin based refugee house, Casa Marianella, is one of the most prominent refugee houses in the United States, providing life saving services for thousands of immigrants each year. Meet the people who live here now. (World Premiere)

24 BEATS PER SECONDShowcasing the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians, with an emphasis on documentary

Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story (United Kingdom)Director/Screenwriter: Steve SullivanThe hilarious and bizarre story of Frank Sidebottom, the cult British comedian in a papier mâché head, and the secretive life of Chris Sievey, the artist trapped inside. (World Premiere)

Jeannette, The Childhood of Joan of Arc (France)Director/Screenwriter: Bruno DumontFrance, 1425. In the midst of the Hundred Years’ War, the young Jeannette, at the still tender age of 8, looks after her sheep in the small village of Domremy. Cast: Lise Leplat Prudhomme, Jeanne Voisin, Lucile Gauthier, Victoria Lefebvre, Aline Charles

FESTIVAL FAVORITESAcclaimed standouts and selected previous premieres from festivals around the world

Science FairDirectors: Cristina Costantini, Darren Foster, Screenwriters: Jeffrey Plunkett, Darren Foster, Cristina CostantiniNine high school students from around the globe navigate rivalries, setbacks, and of course, hormones, on their journey to compete at the international science fair. Facing off against 1,700 of the smartest, quirkiest teens from 78 different countries, only one will be named Best in Fair.

SPECIAL EVENTSLive soundtracks, cult re-issues and much more. The Special Events section offers unusual, unexpected and unique one-off film events

Cartoon Network Screening at SXSWFor the third year in a row, Cartoon Network presents a fun-filled family event open to all fans. Be among the first to watch upcoming adventure series, Craig of the Creek plus catch brand new episodes of favorite shows Ben 10 and Unikitty! And fans are in for a special treat with a never-before-seen look at Teen Titans Go! to the Movies, coming to theaters this summer.

Doug Benson Master Pancake and Doug Loves Movies PodcastDoug Benson returns in the continuing tradition of our annual St. Patrick's Day screening of the Leprechaun series. On March 17 we present Leprechaun 5: In The Hood, directed by Rob Spera.

20th CENTURY FOX PRESENTS ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL SXSW OPENING NIGHT PARTYFor the first time ever, 20th Century Fox welcomes SXSW Platinum and Film badge holders to Iron City, the movie set where Alita: Battle Angel was filmed. SXSW Platinum and Film badge holders are invited to join the cast and filmmakers at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios for the 2018 SXSW Opening Night Party in celebration of the upcoming Alita: Battle Angel. Attendees will be picked up at the 5th Street side entrance of the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin by Alita: Battle Angel branded shuttles and will be transported to the futuristic Iron City movie set. From 9:30 pm to 12:30 am on Friday March 9, guests will enjoy cocktails, bites from local food trucks and great music, all within an immersive film set, featuring props from the film.

SHORTS PROGRAM

NARRATIVE SHORTSA selection of original, well-crafted films that take advantage of the short form and exemplify distinctive and genuine storytelling.

Are We Good Parents?Director: Bola Ogun, Screenwriters: Hailey Chavez, Bola OgunWhen Lauren and Bill’s 14-year-old daughter says she’s going to her first dance with her classmate Ryan, they question their preconceived notions of her sexuality and their openness as parents. (World Premiere)

The Big Day (United Kingdom)Director: Dawn Shadforth, Screenwriter: Kellie SmithJess is super excited to attend her step-sister’s wedding and truly become part of the family, but after only recently finding out about her existence, her stepfamily are less than delighted about her presence on the big day. (World Premiere)

Brian and Charles (United Kingdom)Director: Jim Archer, Screenwriters: David Earl, Chris HaywardA comedy about two friends who share a cottage in the English countryside. Brian is a poorly groomed, gravelly voiced farmer who struggles with depression and loneliness. Charles is a robot.

Carro (Brazil, United States)Director/Screenwriter: Gustavo RosaAn undocumented Brazilian immigrant living in the Boston area decides to buy a car in an effort to better his life before returning home. (World Premiere)

EmergencyDirector: Carey Williams, Screenwriter: K.D. DávilaFaced with an emergency, a group of young Black and Latino friends weigh the pros and cons of calling the police.

Guilt (Mexico)Director/Screenwriter: Moisés AisembergGuilt is a direct window into the undeniable violence experienced by children today and the involuntary repression that they must undergo within a society that tolerates abuse. (World Premiere)

Intercourse (Sweden)Director/Screenwriter: Jonatan Etzler“I’ll give you 100 bucks” he suggests, and jokingly she agrees, and neither of them see the gravity of the situation. When a sexual boundary is crossed and the balance of power is shifted - what will happen to their peaceful and normal relationship? (North American Premiere)

Jay-Z - 'Moonlight'Director/Screenwriter: Alan YangThe One Where No One's Ready

KimchiDirector/Screenwriter: Jackson Kiyoshi SegarsAs his family argues about his end-of-life care, an elderly Korean man reflects on his life with a stranger. (World Premiere)

Kira BurningDirector/Screenwriter: Laurel Akira ParmetTeenage Kira attempts to take revenge after a heartbreaking betrayal by her ex-best friend. (World Premiere)

Men Don't WhisperDirector: Jordan Firstman, Screenwriters: Charles Rogers, Jordan FIrstmanAfter being emasculated at a sales conference, gay couple Reese and Peyton set out to do the most masculine thing they can think of - sleep with some women.

Pink TrailerDirector: Mary Neely, Screenwriters: Macey Isaacs, Jenny LeifermanBest friends Lucy and Julie are spending their summer hiding from a terrorizing neighbor until Lucy runs out of her antidepressant, and they're forced to fight for their lives. (North American Premiere)

Shiva Baby (Canada)Director/Screenwriter: Emma SeligmanAt a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student runs into her sugar daddy. (World Premiere)

Tangles and Knots (Australia)Director/Screenwriter: Renée Marie PetropoulosAn intimate, unique bond between mother and daughter becomes threatened when the mother helps her teenage daughter throw a party to impress new, more popular friends.

Tooth and NailDirector: Sara Shaw, Screenwriters: Sara Shaw, Amanda VerweyA sister makes a bargain with her terminally ill brother. He agrees to let her use his sperm for future use with a partner if she comes out to her family that night. (World Premiere)

We Forgot to Break Up (Canada)Director: Chandler Levack, Screenwriters: Steven McCarthy, Chandler LevackAfter a few years absence, Evan unexpectedly returns one night to face his now-famous former bandmates. The surprise reunion is bittersweet, in this intimate depiction of the knotty complexities of relating to old friends after everything has changed. (U.S. Premiere)

Wren Boys (United Kingdom)Director: Harry Lighton, Screenwriters: Harry Lighton, John FitzpatrickOn the day after Christmas, a Catholic priest from Cork drives his nephew to prison.

DOCUMENTARY SHORTSSlices of life from across the documentary spectrum

The Earth is HummingDirector: Garrett BradleyIn Japan, earthquake preparedness is a way of life—and a full-blown industry. (World Premiere)

The Coffin Club (New Zealand)Director: Briar March, Screenwriter: Kim Harrop, Nick Ward, Briar MarchA group of rebellious, creative Kiwi seniors give death the finger, one crazy coffin at a time. (North American Premiere)

Dead. Tissue. Love. (United Kingdom)Director: Natasha Austin-GreenDead. Tissue. Love. is an intimate experimental documentary exploring the character of a female necrophile, as she recounts her life experiences and sexual awakening. (U.S. Premiere)

Lonesome WillcoxDirectors: Ryan Maxey, Zack WrightWillcox, Arizona is a country music town that isn’t what it used to be. The town’s only radio station has but one employee - a local pariah who lives in the studio, and has a complicated and difficult relationship with the music he plays every day. (World Premiere)

A Night at The GardenDirector: Marshall CurryMonths before the start of World War II, 22,000 Americans gathered in New York’s Madison Square Garden to rally in support of Nazism.

On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi (Canada)Directors: Brandon Gross, Skyler GrossRuth (Nani) and Roman (Popi) are Holocaust survivors married for 65 years. After six decades of marriage, a painful truth tests their enduring union. Brandon and Skyler Gross' moving portrait of their grandparents raises more questions than it answers. (U.S. Premiere)

Roadside AttractionDirectors: Patrick Bresnan, Ivete LucasPalm Beach International Airport's newest snowbird has become one of the fastest growing roadside attractions in the United States.

Sister HeartsDirector: Mohammad GorjestaniMaryam Uloho spent thirteen years in prison in Louisiana. After her release in 2013, she was homeless and lived as a squatter for over 2 years. This experience led her to discover her lifelong mission: To help incarcerated women re-enter society. (World Premiere)

The Terrorist Hunter (Canada, United States)Director/Screenwriter: Ann ShinThe Terrorist Hunter follows controversial spy Rita Katz, lauded by some for her work fighting terrorism, and criticized by others who say she creates terrorist plots where none exist. The film explores how fear and terror play out in our society. (World Premiere)

Xavier Corbero: Portrait of an Artist in Winter (Spain, United Kingdom)Director: Nathalie BiancheriThe first and last glimpse into the universe of iconic Spanish sculptor Xavier Corberó. A kaleidoscopic life and career that traversed a turbulent moment of Spanish history. (World Premiere)

Agua VivaDirector/Screenwriter: Alexa Lim HaasA Chinese manicurist attempts to describe feelings she doesn't have the words for in a language she does not speak. (World Premiere)

Intimity (Switzerland)Director/Screenwriter: Elodie DermangeAs she is showering, dressing, putting on her make-up, a woman bares her soul. She speaks of her fears, her complexes, and the process of accepting – even loving – herself.

JeomDirector: Kangmin KimA father and a son both have the same big birthmark on their butt. Believing that the two birthmarks are connected, the son scrubs his father's birthmark to remove it – but he just can't get rid of it.

Manivald (Estonia)Director: Chintis Lundgren, Screenwriters: Chintis Lundgren, Draško IvezićTinged with typically absurdist Estonian humour, Manivald mixes the surreal and the heartfelt in its timely tale of an emotionally unnourished generation that continue to live with their parents well into their adult lives.

OctaneDirector: Jeron BraxtonA street race that reflects America’s genocidal history and the parallels between slavery and the private prison system. (World Premiere)

People of ColorDirector: Raghav ArumugamAn animated documentary about race and perception in America. (World Premiere)

The Shivering TruthDirectors: Vernon Chatman, Cat Solen, Screenwriter: Vernon ChatmanAn omnibus of painfully riotous daymares dripping with dream logic; a slate of emotional parables from the deepest caverns of your unconscious, lovingly animated in stop-motion. In other words, it is the Truth.

Sog (Germany)Director: Jonatan Schwenk, Screenwriters: Jonatan Schwenk, Merlin FlügelThe dystopic drama Sog is about the cruel efforts of a people of humanlike creatures to lash out viciously against a shoal of fish that had unintentionally entered their desolate land.

Solar Walk (Denmark, Hungary)Director/Screenwriter: Réka BucsiSolar Walk shows the a cosmic journey of individuals and their passion for creation, through the unique and playful texture of the animation craft itself. (U.S. Premiere)

UndiscoveredDirector: Sara LitzenbergerSasquatch has always remained elusive in photos--but not for the reasons we think. (World Premiere)

MIDNIGHT SHORTSBite-sized bits for all of your sex, gore, and hilarity cravings

Asian Girls

Asian Girls (Australia)Director/Screenwriter: Hyun LeeChan is a Chinese factory worker who lives alone. Every night, she suffers from horrific nightmares involving the woman in the apartment next door, a Japanese office lady. (World Premiere)

Brendan Maclean - 'House of Air' (United Kingdom)Directors: Brian Fairbairn and Karl EcclestonAn exploration of hanky codes and visual signifiers in 1970s San Francisco. Inspired by Hal Fischer's Gay Semiotics, House of Air humorously investigates a clash between coded and explicit representations of gay sex.

Crying Bitch (Japan)Director/Screenwriter: Reiki TsunoCrying Bitch is a dark tale about a woman's grudge, mixed with comedy, horror, and a homage to 80s cinema. A dark tale about a man who discovers his wife's dark side after having an affair with a young girl. (U.S. Premiere)

Hair WolfDirector/Screenwriter: Mariama DialloIn a black hair salon in gentrifying Brooklyn, the local residents fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture. (World Premiere)

Milk (Canada)Director/Screenwriter: Santiago MenghiniOn a late night, a young teen goes into the kitchen for a glass of milk. Upon encountering his sleepless mother, he quickly realizes things are not as they seem. (World Premiere)

Neverlanding. A Bad Thriller. (Belgium)Director/Screenwriter: Wim ReygaertA reclusive Michael Jackson impersonator dedicates his whole life to the perfection of his act. (North American Premiere)

Perfect Town (Switzerland)Director/Screenwriter: Anais VoirolIn search of perfection a city obeys to selection. A constant struggle. Trying and trying again. Where is the difference between endurance and madness?

TEXAS SHORTSAn offshoot of our regular narrative shorts program, composed of work shot in, about, or somehow relating to the Lone Star state

Still from An Uncertain Future | Credit: Field of Vision

An Uncertain FutureDirectors: Iliana Sosa, Chelsea HernandezIn Austin, Texas, two expectant mothers—one undocumented and one US citizen—must contend with increased ICE raids and mounting hostility towards immigrants under President Trump.

Come & Take ItDirectors: Ellen Spiro, PJ RavalCome & Take It captures Jessica Jin's transformation into one of America’s most inspired anti-gun violence leaders creating what some people are calling The Great Texas Dildo Revolt. (World Premiere)

Don't Be a HeroDirector/Screenwriter: Pete LeeLizzy Jo still lives with mom at 45 and battles her loneliness and boredom by robbing banks in the guise of a cowboy on her lunch break. After the adrenaline rush wears off, she still has to deal with her deeply unhappy life. Based on a true story.

Ghosted Featuring Kamille - 'Get Some'Director/Screenwriter: Fidel Ruiz-HealyA story about youthful animalistic lust and how it presents itself under the glow of the full moon light. The answer is it’s messy and there is lots of biting.

Heavy ChemistryDirector/Screenwriter: Blair RowanFeelings get complicated and oddly mutual amongst a trio of friends in Heavy Chemistry, a short comedy about love, friendship, attraction, hunger, lust, and other complex chemical reactions. (World Premiere)

MaudeDirector/Screenwriter: Anna Margaret HollymanTeeny thought it was just another routine babysitting job—until she's shocked to meet the client. As the day goes on, Teeny decides to become the woman she had no idea she always wanted to be ... until she gets caught.

Nice AssDirector: Carlyn Hudson, Screenwriter: Jeff WhitakerAfter a failed date, Jake maintains a friendly connection with a part of Brooke no one saw coming. (World Premiere)

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SHORTSA preview of the next filmmaking generation, as Texas High Schoolers present shorts of 5 minutes or less

#RefugeesWelcomeDirector/Screenwriter: Ramiro CantuIn order to survive, a young Syrian woman leaves her home, family and country behind to seek refuge in the United States.

The Art of WarDirector/Screenwriter: Cal EtcheverryThere are only two realms in which rules are broken – art and war. This film explores the deontological ethics of war through the deep contrast of the utopian life of a painter and the chaotic life of a battle-bruised soldier.

CCISD StrongDirector: Sofia RasmussenThese are the stories of people who stepped up in the tough times after Hurricane Harvey and brought hope to the people who needed the support of their community in and around Clear Creek Independent School District.

ConfinedDirectors: The Zavitsanos BrothersWhen Myles is held at gunpoint in crime-ridden Baltimore, his life is forever changed…

ContactDirector/Screenwriter: Lindsay WolfContact follows two awkward teenagers on a movie date, struggling with whether or not to show their true feelings for each other through subtle physical contact.

EscapeDirectors/Screenwriters: Jada Harbin, Karina HarchandaniA 19-year-old drunk is triggered to drink when her boyfriend fails to keep his promise. A friend cleans her up and is her shoulder to cry on, maybe even more. Is it too good to be true?

How You See UsDirector/Screenwriter: Susannah JoffeHow You See Us is my way of giving a voice to all the women who are done with being disrespected, and I hope it encourages men to rethink the over-sexualization of women in society.

KopeckeDirector: C. FearsKoepcke is an experimental animation about the experience of a 17-year-old girl in 1971.

LovelessDirector/Screenwriter: Weston BeringA couple who meets at a masquerade ball is interrupted by another couple's plan to heist them.

Molly and MeDirectors: Colton Vanlandingham, Collin Grant, Screenwriters: Sydney Sexton, Mary Patrello, Gaby FernandezParty animal Bryce and sweet Molly meet each other at a party and decide to get to know each other better. They start to find out that neither one of them are who they seem.

The Night I Lost My Favorite JacketDirector/Screenwriter: Jenna KrumermanA girl tells her friend about her Saturday night. She loses her favorite jacket and a little of herself while meeting new characters and trying to get by.

Pursuit of a DreamDirector/Screenwriter: Scott LarsonA man working a dead end nine to five has to let go of his past in order to pursue his future.

Pursuit: 21XXDirector: Ben Phillips, Screenwriters: Ben Phillips, Billy Nguyen, Edward NunoA cybernetically enhanced man must track down the criminal who stole his wallet by chasing the masked thief through a futuristic city, and will have to make the ultimate decision between what is right and wrong.

Puzzle Pieces: Living Life on The SpectrumDirector/Screenwriter: GeorgiaPuzzle Pieces: Living Life on The Spectrum explores children and teens that have autism spectrum disorder.

Return PolicyDirectors: Demar Gunter, Victoria Hartson, Screenwriter: Demar GunterIn a dystopian future, where life holds monetary value, a family must make a tough decision.

The Risk For Freedom (Vietnam)Director: Alex LeThis documentary follows the early life of a Vietnamese immigrant, the director's grandmother and her struggle to get to America.

RoommateDirector/Screenwriter: Jinho RheeEveryone has roommate problems at one point; However, none is like the one Nayeon has to face.

What It TakesDirector: Kourtney WilliamsThis documentary was created to help express the point of view of a male gymnast. There's a lot that goes into the sport of gymnastics and what it takes to be successful. The story takes you through 3 different perspectives to show their passion.

INDEPENDENT EPISODICSInnovative and new independent web series, pilots and docs aimed squarely at the small screen

BeastDirector/Screenwriter: Ben StrangWhen his father mysteriously goes missing at sea, a teenager rallies the help of his small fishing-island town to find him and figure out once and for all why people keep disappearing on Smith Island. (World Premiere)

Everything is Okay: RobotDirector: Adam Sacks, Screenwriter: Cirocco DunlapA better you is just a click away.

First World ProblemsDirector/Screenwriter: X. Dean LimHarold, an Asian-American, comes to realizes his family are apathetic douchebags. But when a mysterious crisis starts a ticking clock, he alienates them all to prove they’re more than Amazon, Audi and Autopay. The question is: can he be wrong? (World Premiere)

Hold To Your Best SelfDirector/Screenwriter: Emily HaginsOver the course of a prom night, young adults tackle big questions concerning identity, relationships, self-esteem, and the future - their adolescent ideas and expectations are fundamentally challenged by high school coming to an end. (World Premiere)

Night Owl (Canada)Directors: R. Miskin, Gillian Muller, Screenwriter: R. MiskinOne Girl’s quest to face her fears, step outside her comfort zone and make some real friends!... in the middle of the night at a 24-hour grocery store. Well?... What do you do when you can't sleep? (World Premiere)

One Eye SmallDirector/Screenwriter: Jane StilesTwo female strangers become affectionate friends over the course of a frenetic evening in NYC. (World Premiere)

OtisDirector/Screenwriter: Alexander EtseyatseA young calm, mentally unstable man attempts to convince his new buddy that they don't belong at a Psych ward by inciting an uprising while trying to win back the affection of his ex-fiancée and daughter. (World Premiere)

Polar (Denmark, Greenland)Directors: Natalia Anna Ciepiel, Alexander Ohrt, Screenwriter: Morten MortensenTerrorized by an unbearable sound a group of teenagers commit suicide in the habour of Nuuk. After being declared dead, Ivik, awakes again. As the phenomenon returns to haunt the young population of Nuuk, Ivik sets out to find the nature of the sound. (World Premiere)

She's the TicketDirector: Nadia HallgrenFive different women from around the country see Donald Trump get elected to the presidency on November 8th, 2016 and decide to do something about it. Run for office.

UnspeakableDirector: Milena Govich, Screenwriter: David CornueA young woman in a desperate situation averts authorities by claiming to be a girl who disappeared years ago as a child. But when the missing girl’s family welcomes the impostor home, she’s forced to keep the deception alive or face the consequences. (World Premiere)

MUSIC VIDEOSA range of classic, innovative, and stylish work showcasing the scope of music video culture

A range of classic, innovative, and stylish work showcasing the scope of music video culture.

VIRTUAL CINEMAThe immersive arts are finding new ways to enhance our ability to perceive the world that surrounds us, and in many instances they are redefining how we experience the world. The 27 projects presented in our new Virtual Cinema emphasize storytelling, ingenuity and also showcase how other industries are embracing this new medium.

AeronautDiscover an ever-changing virtual landscape created by Viacom NEXT and Isobar (with Tilt Brush art by Danny Bittman), where a volumetric 3D model of two-time Grammy award winning artist Billy Corgan sings and plays the piano to his single Aeronaut. (World Premiere)

The AtriumDirector: Brian Solomon, Screenwriters: Brian Solomon, James LongmireThe Atrium, Meow Wolf’s first mixed reality installation, builds on the story of the acclaimed immersive exhibition, House of Eternal Return. Voyage through the surreal lullaby of the multiverse — and unravel a mystery spanning multiple dimensions. (World Premiere)

Awake: Episode One (Australia, United States)Director: Martin Taylor, Screenwriters: Martin Taylor, Mike Jones, Christian CantamessaHarry is a prisoner in his own house, obsessed with discovering the truth behind a recurring dream and a cryptic message within it. The arrival of a new presence promises to save Harry from his darkness and unlock the potential of humanity’s future. (World Premiere)

Beethoven's Fifth (United Kingdom, United States)Director: Jessica Brillhart, Screenwriters: Jessica Brillhart, Esa-Pekka SalonenJourney into interstellar space with a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth by the Philharmonia Orchestra, London - conducted by Principal Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. The film was inspired by content on Voyager's Golden Record, launched by NASA in 1977. (U.S. Premiere)

ChorusDirector: Tyler HurdTransform into fantastical female warriors in this social virtual reality experience. Six people can band together to battle evil in this epic journey of empowerment, all orchestrated to the song "Chorus" by Justice. (World Premiere)

Dinner PartyDirector: Angel Manuel Soto, Screenwriters: Charlotte Stoudt, Laura WexlerDinner Party, the pilot episode for a true-life supernatural anthology series The Incident, is a 3D virtual reality experience based on the true story of Betty and Barney Hill, an interracial couple who in 1961 reported the first known UFO abduction.

Everything Flows (China, United States)Director: Yumeng DuEverything Flows is a VR film experience that presents time and space in an artistic way. It invites you to a journey of Director's hometown, Wuhan, China. It is a mixture of painting, video capture, sounds, dreaming, memory, and reality. (World Premiere)

The Evolution of Testicles (United States, Ireland, United Kingdom)Director: Ryan HartsellA testicular romp through the evolution of man told via CGI, a giant testicle-shaped hot air balloon, and narrator Chris O’Dowd—all in the name of bringing awareness to male cancer prevention. (World Premiere)

The Four Worlds (United States, Australia)Directors: Jonathan Zawada, Mark PitchardThe Four Worlds consists of four installations comprised of looping VR experiences augmented with extra sensory stimulation IRL. Each scene is a microcosm of a different environment, accompanied by an exquisite soundtrack by Mark Pritchard. (World Premiere)

GFEDirector: Michael JacobsAn immersive 360 experimental film that offers a first-person experience of going on a date with a sex worker. (World Premiere)

Hold The World (United Kingdom)Director: Dan SmithHold the World (“HTW”) is a world-first interactive VR entertainment experience hosted by Sir David Attenborough at the London’s Natural History Museum. (North American Premiere)

The Journey (United States, Chad, Ethiopia, South Sudan, United Kingdom)Director: Charlotte MikkelborgThe Journey through childhood in three of the toughest environments on Earth. Our three children will take you on a sensory journey into their worlds – where not only sight and sound but taste, smell and touch immerse you in their past present and future. (World Premiere)

One Eighty (United States, India)Director: Eren AksuOne Eighty is the story of an Indian mother, Vijai Kumari, who spent 20 years behind bars, and her son, Kanhaiya Kumari, who was born in prison...and their quest to clear their names and live in freedom. (World Premiere)

RONE (Australia)Director: Lester FrancoisA distinctive portrait in VR of street artist Rone, whose stunning large-scale portraits are often seen in forgotten spaces. A mix of 360' video and a virtual art gallery to explore, RONE will draw you into the world of street art like never before. (North American Premiere)

Sanctuaries of SilenceDirectors: Adam Loften, Emmanuel Vaughan-LeeSanctuaries of Silence is an immersive listening journey into Olympic National Park, one of the quietest places in North America.

Space x Girl (Republic of Korea)Director: Minhyuk CheA story about a girl and her space. The girl has a special sense of feeling the heart of the space. One day the space of the girl begins a conversation. It is about her memories that she was not aware of. (World Premiere)

Spheres: Songs of SpacetimeDirector/Screenwriter: Eliza McNittDive into the heart of a black hole and uncover the hidden songs of the cosmos. In this VR experience, the breakthrough discovery of gravitational waves transforms how we see the Universe. Fall into the darkness, and you will find the light.

Summation of Force (Australia)Directors: Trent Parke, Narelle Autio, Matthew Bate, Screenwriters: Trent Parke, Narelle Autio In a moonlit suburban backyard, two brothers battle one another in an otherworldly game of cricket in this stunning black and white live-action study of the motion, physics, and psychology of sport. Created by photographers Trent Parke and Narelle Autio, in collaboration with filmmaker Matthew Bate, this VR artwork offers a cosmic, darkly beautiful, and dreamlike metaphor for life.

Sun Ladies VRDirectors: Celine Tricart, Christian StephenIn 2014, ISIS invaded Iraq and targeted the Yazidi community. The men were killed, and the women taken as sex slaves. Some of the ones who escaped decided to join the Kurdistan army and started a female-only fighting unit called the Sun Ladies.

Tiniest TremorDirectors: Nicholas Manting Brewer, Megan SimonAn emotionally immersive and visually poetic journey into the issue of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome through the story of a woman who suffered from substance abuse disorder to Opioids and her child. (World Premiere)

TogetherDirector: Terrence MalickTogether is a VR experience about the power of human connection. The piece fuses dance and technology, putting the viewer in the middle of an emotional narrative about breaking down barriers and bringing people closer. (World Premiere)

We're Still HereDirector: Jesse AyalaAiden Short Cloud, a Two-Spirit artist and historian in Boise, Idaho, struggles to preserve and revive his heritage in a race against time. (World Premiere)

Wonderful You VR (United Kingdom)Director: John DurrantWonderful You VR, a Virtual Reality experience narrated by Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton, is a journey through the strange world of your developing senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. (North American Premiere)

EXCELLENCE IN TITLE DESIGNInspired by an essential part of the theatrical experience, these are works of art in their own right. The 21 sequences selected represent the very best and most original of the past year.

COMPETITION AWARDS AND CEREMONY - Renowned Comedian and Actor Jim Gaffigan to HostThe films in the Short Film Program are eligible for Jury Awards within their respective screening categories, announced during the SXSW Film Awards on Tuesday, March 13 at 8:00 pm at the Paramount Theatre. Three time Grammy nominated Comedian and Actor Jim Gaffigan, star of 2018 SXSW Narrative Spotlight You Can Choose Your Family, will Host the Ceremony. Other awards announced will include the Narrative Feature Competition, the Documentary Feature Competition, Design Awards, and Special Awards. All feature film categories, except Special Events, will be eligible for category-specific Audience Awards, announced via sxsw.com on Saturday, March 17. SXSW is proud to be an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® Short Film competition. Winners of our Best Animated, Best Narrative and Best Documentary Short Film categories become eligible for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards (Oscars). Any British Short Film or British Short Animation that screens at SXSW is eligible for BAFTA nomination.

About SXSW Film FestivalNow in its 25th year, SXSW Film Festival brings together creatives of all stripes over nine days to experience a diverse lineup and access to thousands of SXSW Conference sessions with visionaries from all corners of the entertainment, media, and technology industries. Check out SXSW Film Festival at 25 Alumni memories at https://www.sxsw.com/tag/sxsw-film-25/

About SXSWFounded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its Conference and Festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2018 will take place March 9-18, 2018.